Academic Leadership
Academic Leadership
Through their expertise and knowledge they help to shape the GSG's vision, mission and benefits to the education sector.
Mr Bob Darwish
Sr. Academic Head
Mr Darwish is tasked with building a progressive educational environment
for OWIS, Dwight, Harrods, CISM, Glendale & Regent schools, and improving the quality of their programmes and syllabi, expanding knowledge dissemination, standardising systems and processes and ushering in newer initiatives for better outcomes.
Mr Raymond Fernandes
Sr. Academic Head
Mr Fernandes has 30 years of experience with a background in design, delivery, and evaluation of educational programmes.
He has successfully managed education programme budgets, identified areas of growth for the organisations, coordinated events to promote
educational services, organized departmental initiatives and collaborated
with educational leaders to make data-driven decisions.
Greg Culos
Greg Culos brings over 30 years of experience in international education.
Having spent 20 years in Canada and over 10 years in Japan, he is a passionate traveller, who enjoys collaborating with like-minded individuals worldwide.
Known for his ability to see possibilities where others may not, he thrives on challenges that test his judgment. He has held the prestigious positions of UNESCO Global Chair on Education (UNITWIN) and UNESCO-UNITWIN Innovative, Sustainable, and Clean Energy Research and Education Chair. His professional career began at Bodwell College in Canada, where he cultivated a deep appreciation for the transformative power of international education.
Greg values the common purpose of community and he believes in being approachable, symbolising his commitment to inclusivity and openness. He is currently leading the establishment of One World International School in Osaka, a school that will be dedicated to providing a world-class education that prepares students to become global citizens. Greg completed his graduation from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in English Literature, is International Baccalaureate Certified, and holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Comparative and International Higher Education, Training, and Policy from The University of British Columbia.
Shannon Pipes
Shannon Pipes is the founder and principal of One World International School in Riyadh.
She is a highly experienced educator with a 14-year career dedicated to empowering students through education. She worked as an English teacher and Head of Department in South Korea and China for a total of nine years and as an administrator in Abu Dhabi, UAE for five years, where she gained valuable insights into creating conducive learning environments.
Motivated to make a positive difference in the lives of others, she embraces the opportunities for continuous learning and growth that being an educator and administrator provides. With a deep commitment to the holistic development of students, Shannon derives immense joy from witnessing their growth and constantly seeks innovative approaches to facilitate their learning journey.
Shannon’s educational philosophy has evolved through her experiences as a teacher and administrator, but her unwavering dedication to educating the whole child remains steadfast. She completed her undergraduate degree with a Bachelor of Arts Education, in English and her post-graduate degree with a Master of Arts – MA, Curriculum and Instruction, both from Arizona State University.
Jasmit Kang
An esteemed educator and visionary leader, Ms Jasmit Kang, serves as the
Founding Principal of Glendale International School. With 24 years of teaching experience in NCfE schools in England and Dubai, Jasmit has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, inspiring her team to reach new heights of success.
Under her guidance, improving school standards in a short span of time is GOOD and VERY GOOD, as judged by the UK and UAE governments. Recognised for her unwavering dedication to student well-being and welfare, Jasmit prioritises the holistic development of each student. She fosters a safe and nurturing environment that encourages self-expression, creativity and critical thinking empowering students to become responsible global citizens.
Jasmit completed her Bachelor of Education from Liverpool Hope University before her postgraduate master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Nottingham. She has also completed her NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) from University College London.
Deepika Sodhi
Ms. Deepika Sodhi is a distinguished education leader whose career of over 27 years
reflects an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, institutional innovation, and the holistic development of every learner. Her leadership is defined by a rare combination of intellectual rigour, progressive pedagogy, and a deep belief in the potential of every child.
A Gold Medallist in Physics from the University of Delhi and a GATE-qualified professional, Ms. Deepika brings deep, hands-on expertise across two of the world’s most respected frameworks — the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge International Education — enabling her to lead with both breadth and precision.
She is a champion of digital pedagogy and innovation in teaching and learning, consistently equipping her teams and students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. She is passionate about nurturing high-performing, collaborative cultures in schools — ones where educators grow alongside their students, and where continuous improvement is not an initiative but a way of working.
Ms. Deepika is an active member of the International Baccalaureate Educators Network, a contributor to the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence – Singapore and a recognised voice in the wider education community as a speaker at EduTECH Asia.
James Sweeney
James is from Birmingham, England. He has earned a Bachelor of Arts
(Hons) degree in History from University of Plymouth, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from University of Worcester, and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
James started his career as a Primary School teacher before taking on further responsibilities. He has both taught and held leadership positions in schools in the UK, South Korea and China over the past several years.
Angela Henderson
Angela is from Canada, but Singapore has been home for her for the past 18 years.
A senior professional in the education sector, she has over 33 years of experience in teaching and school leadership roles in Canada, USA, and Singapore. She has taught children in different grade levels from Kindergarten to Grade 6, and has nurtured the development of her students through Special Education, Art and Drama as well. She knew from a very early age that she wanted to become a teacher, as her grandmother and mother were also educators.
James Morris
A graduate of Oxford and Cambridge, James brings 31 years of educational expertise,
including 17 years in senior leadership. He has led top-ranked K-12 international schools, achieving stellar academic outcomes and guiding students to universities like Oxbridge and the Ivy League, while fostering holistic learning.
Christopher Larter
With 20+ years in international education, including 14 in leadership,
Mr. Larter has taught across all levels, led diverse teams, developed curricula for 40+ schools, and authored ten children’s books, specialising in PYP, UDL, and curriculum innovation.
Mark Lynch
Mark brings nearly 10+ years of international school leadership experience in British and Cambridge-aligned education across Southeast Asia.
Currently, serving as Acting Head of School, leading whole-school academic strategy, operational oversight, safeguarding compliance and organisational growth. He has a Masters’ in Education with additional UK postgraduate certification, Mark is focussed on data-informed improvement, sustainable leadership systems and institutional development.
Mark Pearce
Mark is an experienced educational leader with 29 years in the Independent education sector,
including 22 years in senior leadership roles such as Housemaster, Deputy Head, and now enjoying his second Headship at Heath House Prep School, Blackheath, London. While his early career was rooted in boarding schools, Mark has focused on the preparatory school sector in recent years.
His leadership in prestigious London preparatory schools reflects his unwavering dedication to academic excellence and holistic pupil development, ensuring that students successfully transition to top UK senior schools such as Harrow, Westminster, Eton, City of London, James Allen’s Girls’ School, and Queen’s College.
Mark is passionate about unlocking each pupil’s true potential, fostering a growth mindset, and encouraging individuality, empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. His vision for education is to inspire young minds to become confident, well-rounded individuals who contribute positively and meaningfully to the world around them.
Gino Luayon
Sir Gino is a passionate educator, a lifelong learner, and a seasoned teacher-trainer.
He served as high school principal of PAREF Southridge School (Day School and Afternoon School) for five years, and as the school’s faculty training officer for four years. After working with the PAREF community for over two decades, he then moved to Everest International Academy where he served as Upper School Section Dean, Vice Principal and then Head of High School.
Since 2010, Gino has been training teachers in the implementation of the English K to 12 Curriculum through the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC). He is also a First Eduspec lecturer on implementing the STEAM Robotics curriculum and provides trainings and workshops on instructional leadership and effective assessment in collaboration with reputable publishing companies and various Higher Education Institutions. He is also the founder of Teacher Education Network Philippines, (TENph) a group of teachers helping teachers.
Angelica Fernandez de Castro
Bambi Fernandez de Castro is a dedicated educator with over 30 years of experience, including a decade in educational leadership.
She has taught Mathematics across a wide range of grade levels—from Grade 4 to Grade 12 Statistics—bringing depth, clarity, and care to every classroom she enters.
She has served as Head of School for two of our sister schools in the Philippines: Domuschola International School and Chinese International School Manila, where she helped shape strong academic and values-driven communities.
Passionate about education, Bambi not only champions academic excellence but also works tirelessly to foster a school culture grounded in integrity, compassion, and service. She believes that by nurturing a solid moral foundation, students and educators alike are better equipped to face challenges, make ethical decisions, and build a more just and peaceful society through collaboration and mutual respect.
Adam Patterson
Adam Patterson believes that great schools are built on strong relationships, where every student is known, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.
He views academic excellence as fundamental, while also placing strong emphasis on confidence, resilience, curiosity, compassion and a genuine sense of belonging.
His approach to education reflects the belief that students thrive when they are challenged, supported and given the confidence to discover their unique strengths.
Adam Patterson brings over a decade of international education experience to his leadership role as Head of School at Dwight School Seoul, following an accomplished ten-year career at the Australian International School Singapore. His international education career has included experience across Singapore, Hong Kong, Brazil, Malaysia and China, giving him a broad understanding of diverse international school communities and educational contexts.
Adam’s academic background includes studies at the University of New England in Australia. He has also contributed to international education beyond his school leadership roles, including serving as an active member of Council of International Schools accreditation teams since 2008, supporting school evaluation and accreditation across international education.
Throughout his career, Adam has developed a strong understanding of international education and the importance of building supportive, inclusive school communities. His people-centred leadership approach places students, families and educators at the heart of school life, while maintaining a strong focus on academic excellence and student wellbeing.
As Head of School at Dwight Seoul, Adam is committed to building on the school’s strong foundation and fostering a community where every student is known, every relationship matters and every learner is encouraged to achieve their potential.
His leadership reflects Dwight’s commitment to developing confident, compassionate and globally minded students prepared to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.